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Neither team was top favourite for victory today, but it was Russia first to the finish in the women’s relay and Estonia in the men’s. Finland took the silver medals in both races, and bronze medallists were Czech Republic (women) and France.

Finland were hot favourites for the women’s crown, and they duly showed strength in depth in having two teams finishing just 2.07 apart – but the Russian team was faster overall than both of them. Young Svetlana Poverina brought Russia home 19 seconds ahead of Finland’s first team, and the Czech team finished 10 seconds behind Finland’s second team.

Estonia came to the men’s race with an experienced team: Lauri Malsroos, Tonis Erm, an Margus Hallik. All three had good races and the team finished 1.47 in front. The big surprise in second place was Finland 2, followed by France 31 seconds later. Finland 1 were fourth.

The junior relays were won by the Czech women, a huge 5.53 faster than Lithuania in second place, and the Russian men who led France by 54 seconds at the finish.